How to apply for Tennessee Property Tax Relief for Disabled Veteran Homeowners

Who it's for

Tennessee pays back property taxes for veterans with a total and permanent service-connected disability — and there is NO income limit on this version of the program. The state reimburses the tax paid on up to $175,000 of the home's market value, which in most Tennessee counties covers most or all of the bill. Qualifying conditions include a 100% permanent and total service-connected rating, paraplegia or permanent paralysis of both legs and the lower body, loss or loss of use of two or more limbs, legal blindness, or a 100% rating from time as a prisoner of war. The home must be owned and used as the primary residence. Apply through the county trustee's office after the tax bill arrives, and re-apply each year.

What you'll need

• VA award letter showing the total and permanent service-connected disability (the trustee sends a consent form to the VA to verify)
• Property tax bill or receipt
• Proof the home is the primary residence
• Completed tax relief application from the county trustee's office

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Tennessee Property Tax Relief for Disabled Veteran Homeowners. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need va award letter showing the total and permanent service-connected disability (the trustee sends a consent form to the va to verify), property tax bill or receipt, proof the home is the primary residence — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Confirm you meet the disability requirement. You must have a 100% total and permanent service-connected disability rating, OR one of these qualifying conditions: paraplegia or permanent paralysis of both legs and lower body, loss or loss of use of two or more limbs, legal blindness from a service-connected cause, or a 100% total and permanent rating from time as a prisoner of war. There is no income limit for this program.
2. Make sure the home is your primary residence and that you own it. The relief applies to the home you live in as your main home.
3. Wait for your property tax bill to arrive. Applications are filed after the tax bill is issued each year. Apply before the tax delinquency date for your county.
4. Gather your required documents: your VA award letter showing your total and permanent service-connected disability, your property tax bill or receipt, and proof that the home is your primary residence.
5. Get the tax relief application form from your county trustee's office. You can contact the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury program by phone at 1-615-747-8871 or apply online to get started.
6. Submit the completed application and your documents to your county trustee's office. The trustee will send a consent form to the VA to verify your disability rating directly.
7. Re-apply each year. This benefit requires a new application through your county trustee every tax year.

What to expect: After you submit your application, the county trustee will verify your eligibility with the VA and review your documents. Processing times vary, so ask your county trustee for an estimate of when to expect a decision. If approved, Tennessee reimburses the property taxes paid on up to $175,000 of your home's market value, which covers most or all of the bill in most Tennessee counties. Because this benefit must be renewed every year, watch for your next property tax bill and apply again through your county trustee each tax year before the delinquency date. If you are a surviving spouse who does not remarry and continues to use the home as a primary residence, you may also be eligible to continue receiving relief, calculated on up to $100,000 of the home's market value — ask the county trustee for details.

Renewals

annual — re-apply through the county trustee each tax year